SUNGAI PETANI: In the quiet fishing village of Kampung Huma, Tanjung Dawai here, rising tides and worsening coastal erosion have crept to the doorsteps of homes, triggering urgent calls for government intervention before disaster strikes.
Salmah Abdul Rahman, 73, who has been living in the village for over 40 years, said the plot of land behind her house was once used for farming.
“I used to grow cassava, sweet potatoes, sugarcane and bananas, but in these past few years the sea has been rising and is now close to the kitchen.
“Whenever big waves hit, they bring water and sand into the house, even at night. I have to draw the water out before it starts pooling,” she told Bernama when met at her home here on Tuesday.
Salmah, who lives with her 40-year-old son, said she hoped authorities would take immediate action to resolve the issue.
Rosminah Ahmad, 53, who lives with her mother Jamaliah Ishak, 83, said she felt deeply worried as the sea continued to creep closer to their house.
“The sea is now only about two to three metres away. The erosion is getting worse ... last Sunday was the worst we’ve seen this year,” she added.
Another resident, Suhaida Abu Hasan, 44, said her sister-in-law was forced to move out after the back of her house collapsed when big waves hit in September last year.
Meanwhile, Kampung Sungai Pial village council head (MKK) Ahmad Fauzi Othman said around 30 houses in the area were at risk due to coastal erosion.
“Over the past five to six months, the situation has become more critical. Many senior citizens, persons with disabilities and people with chronic illnesses live here,” he said.
He added that the authorities must act quickly to prevent any untoward incidents.
Last Sunday, Bernama reported that the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department had advised the public, particularly those in coastal areas, to remain vigilant following reports of large waves off Tanjung Dawai beach.
A video capturing large waves in Kampung Huma, Tanjung Dawai, recently went viral.
